Rent in Barcelona continues to rise. According to the latest idealista report, the average price is €23.6/m2, 13.5% higher than last year. The provincial average is €20.2/m2. This article explores the most expensive and most affordable areas in Barcelona for renting a home in 2025.
Where is rent cheaper in Barcelona province?
In the province of Barcelona, some towns still offer affordable rentals, with average prices significantly lower than those in the city and province. Note that smaller towns may not appear due to insufficient data to calculate an average price. Below is a list of towns with the lowest rental prices.
Manresa, the cheapest town to rent in Barcelona
According to idealista data, Manresa is the town with the cheapest rental prices, with an average of €9.1/m2, a historical high after a 15.5% increase in the last year. Located 65 km north of Barcelona, near the confluence of the Llobregat and Cardener rivers, Manresa is the capital of the Bages region. With a population of 80,201 inhabitants (Spanish Statistics Institute [INE] 2024), it is the most populous city in Bages and Central Catalonia.
Manresa is known for its excellent transport links to Barcelona and other cities, as well as its thriving industrial and commercial sectors. The town offers a peaceful environment with beautiful natural spaces, along with a rich historical heritage. It boasts a diverse range of educational institutions, including universities, and is well-equipped with a strong healthcare system, featuring hospitals and medical centres.
Vic, houses for rent for less than €10/m2
The second most affordable town in the province of Barcelona is Vic, with an average of €9.7/m2, marking a 4.8% increase compared to the previous year. Vic, the capital of the Osona region, has a population of 49,530 inhabitants (INE 2024).
Vic is a charming city featuring cobbled streets and a rustic old town, offering a blend of history and modern conveniences. Known for its rich historical heritage, Vic is home to landmarks such as the Roman temple, the Vic Cathedral and the Puente de Queralt bridge, making it a delightful destination for both residents and visitors.
Vilafranca del Penedès, the third-cheapest town
Vilafranca del Penedès ranks third among the towns with the lowest rental prices in the province of Barcelona, with an average price of €9.9/m², a new record high, following a 6.2% increase year-on-year.
Vilafranca del Penedès, with a population of 41,504 (INE 2024), is renowned as the wine capital, famous for its cava and wines from the Penedès designation of origin. Set amidst picturesque vineyards and green landscapes, the town offers a tranquil and welcoming environment for its residents.
The town boasts a wide range of services, including educational, healthcare and commercial centres, ensuring a high quality of life. Its proximity to Barcelona and excellent transport links make it an appealing choice for those seeking a balance of small-town peace and modern conveniences.
The next cheapest towns on the list are: Granollers (€10.7/m2), Terrassa (€11.5/m2) and Sant Andreu de Llavaneres (€11.7/m2).
The areas with the most expensive rents in Barcelona
Let's head to the other end of the ranking, towards the areas with the highest rental prices. And we begin with...
Barcelona leads the price of rent in the province
As mentioned earlier, Barcelona city is the most expensive area to rent a home in the province, with an average price of €23.6/m2 in January 2025 (latest available data), reflecting a 13.5% increase compared to the same month in 2024.
The housing market in Barcelona is described as tense, with price caps in place for years, while the housing supply in the city has been decreasing, according to experts. This has contributed to further price increases. Within the city, the districts with the highest rental prices are: Eixample (€26.0/m2), Ciutat Vella (€25.3/m2) and Gràcia (€23.4/m2).
Esplugues de Llobregat, very close to Barcelona
The second town with the highest rental prices is Esplugues de Llobregat, where the average price stands at €23.2/m². The increase in rent over the past year has been striking, with a rise of 35%.
Esplugues de Llobregat, part of Baix Llobregat since 1990 and with a population of 47,613 inhabitants (INE 2024), has transitioned from an industrial city to a service hub, offering an excellent quality of life. Its charming old town features picturesque spots like Montserrat Street and historic farmhouses such as Can Cortada.
The town boasts large green spaces, including Can Vidalet and Solidaridad parks, as well as the Sant Pere Màrtir mountain. Esplugues is home to renowned international schools, such as a German and an American School, making it a popular choice for high-income families and even FC Barcelona players, thanks to its proximity to Camp Nou.
Sant Joan Despí, the third town with the most expensive rents
After a remarkable 19.7% year-on-year increase, Sant Joan Despí reached €18.6/m2 in January 2025, a record high. Located in the Baix Llobregat region, it now takes the bronze spot for rental prices. With a population of 35,083 inhabitants (INE 2024), Sant Joan Despí continues to attract residents despite the rising costs.
The town is known for its wide range of services, ample green spaces and for housing several modernist buildings by renowned architects. Notable examples include Can Negre, a farmhouse transformed by Josep Maria Jujol i Gibert, and the Torre de la Creu, also designed by Jujol. These architectural gems add character to the town, blending history with modernity.
The towns with the most expensive rents are: Castelldefels (€18.4/m2), Gavà (€17.9/m2) and Hospitalet de Llobregat (€17.8/m2).
